gina + brian | WESTIN ST FRANCIS

Gina and Brian found us through our mutual friend Leila Lewis of Be Inspired Public Relations. Leila knew that we would all get along and she also thought that our style would be perfect for their wedding. I think Leila was right and we had a lot of fun designing their event.

The thing that most sticks out to me about this wedding, is that Gina and Brian got married at a very classy San Francisco Hotel (the Westin St Francis), yet they still wanted a rather progressive design for the event. I still remember the day that Gina and Brian came to our warehouse. They loved the space and were immediately drawn to our over-sized black Gothic chairs with skulls imbedded into the armrest and our Gothic Lion Stands. Although their venue is a San Francisco landmark that exudes old world decadence, they still wanted a design that echoed their personality and their own aesthetic. In the end, the final event still had a classic look with design elements that had an edge to them.

This is probably the hallmark of the type of clients who find us; clients who want a personalized look for their event. Being true to yourself is a fabulous goal to have in the wedding planning process.

Gina and Brian had their ceremony at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. It is an elaborate church that hosts a perfect place to wed. The space has a hollowed vibe and is decorated with Byzantine themed religious art. There seems to be sense of wonder and spirituality in this space. It has a romantic feel that is accentuated with candlelight. I could only imagine this church leaving an indelible mark on those who choose to commit their lives to one another in this sacred space.

For their reception the guest were ushered into the famed Westin St Francis; this is a very ornate space with lots of ambient lighting. Decor can be difficult in this space as it is important not to compete with it. To accompany this stunning space, we chose bold centerpieces such as our sculptural Manzanita trees that were painted black and our handcrafted Lion Stands that were forged from wrought iron. Linnae softened the look with classic cream toned florals that were embellished by black feathers and jewels. The juxtaposition of the lighter colors contrasted by the black accents paid off well, and this wedding had a sophisticated look with an edge.

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About Asiel Design

We believe design begins with a relationship of trust with your wedding planner and event designer. When choosing an event designer or a wedding coordinator, we believe that you should feel listened to, understood, and guided through the process in a way, which helps you achieve a look and feel that is personalized to your style. There should be a connection with the designer’s work, esthetic, and a comfort-ability with the professionalism of the company they represent. Mutual respect between the client and the wedding coordinator or event designer is the foundation to a successfully designed event. We believe it is the client who holds all the secrets to their design – what they like, what excites them, and the message and experience they desire to convey throughout their event.

This was an enchanted evening with enchanted stars from heaven. The ceremony, which included a walk down the isle of the important women in Gina’s life, which I was honored to be among, and a serenade by her dear friend, Geni, from the equine days of Gina’s youth, was for a prince and princess, which Brian and Gina were. The dinner at the Westin was elegant and fun. The decor, the superb attention of the personnel, the cake, the favors (which I still have and use), the music, the warmth of family, and especially the presence of Gina’s beautiful mother, who made this magic possible. No wonder Gina has grown up to be an engaging and beautiful woman in her own right. Brian, I don’t know your family very well, but you couldn’t have won this bright star without being a star from a star studded galaxy yourself.

Bravo and thank you for letting Ernie and myself be a part of it. May God bless your lives for as long as you live.